Maple Chicken & Bacon Sliders

Sweet and savory, Maple Chicken & Bacon Sliders are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of maple-glazed chicken with crispy bacon. These sliders are perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy family dinner. They’re quick to prepare and pack a punch in flavor, making them an irresistible option for any occasion.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken:
• For Assembly:
• How to Make Maple Chicken & Bacon Sliders
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Season the Chicken
• Step 3: Mix Maple Glaze
• Step 4: Cook Chicken in Skillet
• Step 5: Bake Chicken
• Step 6: Cook Bacon
• Step 7: Slice Chicken
• Step 8: Assemble Sliders
• Step 9: Serve Immediately
• How to Serve Maple Chicken & Bacon Sliders
• Pair with Sweet Potato Fries
• Add a Side Salad
• Serve with Pickles
• Include Dipping Sauces
• Set up a Slider Bar
• Enjoy with a Cold Drink
• How to Perfect Maple Chicken & Bacon Sliders
• Best Side Dishes for Maple Chicken & Bacon Sliders
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Maple Chicken & Bacon Sliders
• Reheating Maple Chicken & Bacon Sliders
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use turkey instead of chicken for Maple Chicken & Bacon Sliders?
• What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
• How do I customize my Maple Chicken & Bacon Sliders?
• Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these sliders ready in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of maple syrup and Dijon mustard gives the chicken a unique sweetness that pairs perfectly with crispy bacon.
• Versatile Meal Option: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these sliders fit right in.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or swap out arugula for other greens!
• Kid-Friendly: The sweet flavors make these sliders appealing to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the essential tools before you start. Having the right equipment on hand makes preparation easy and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Oven
• Baking sheet
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: Perfect for searing the chicken and crisping the bacon to perfection.
• Oven: Essential for baking the chicken, ensuring it’s cooked through while remaining juicy.
• Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for slicing the chicken into tender pieces.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining your maple syrup and Dijon mustard mixture.

Ingredients

Sweet and savory sliders featuring maple-glazed chicken and crispy bacon, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 6 slices bacon
• 6 slider buns
• 1 cup arugula

How to Make Maple Chicken & Bacon Sliders

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking the chicken.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 3: Mix Maple Glaze

In a small mixing bowl, combine maple syrup and Dijon mustard. Stir until well blended.

Step 4: Cook Chicken in Skillet

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken breasts:
1. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
2. Brush one side of the chicken with half of the maple mixture before flipping.

Step 5: Bake Chicken

Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet after searing:
1. Brush remaining maple mixture on top.
2. Bake in preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until cooked through.

Step 6: Cook Bacon

While the chicken bakes, cook bacon slices in the same skillet until crispy:
1. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.

Step 7: Slice Chicken

Once baked, remove chicken from oven:
1. Let it rest briefly before slicing into thin pieces.

Step 8: Assemble Sliders

Build your sliders using:
1. Place a handful of arugula on each bottom bun.
2. Add sliced chicken followed by a slice of crispy bacon.
3. Top with the other half of the bun.

Step 9: Serve Immediately

Enjoy your delicious Maple Chicken & Bacon Sliders fresh from the kitchen!

How to Serve Maple Chicken & Bacon Sliders

Maple Chicken & Bacon Sliders are not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

Pair with Sweet Potato Fries

• Sweet potato fries add a delightful sweetness that complements the maple glaze on the chicken, providing a crunchy texture.

Add a Side Salad

• A fresh side salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette can balance the savory flavors of the sliders and offer a refreshing bite.

Serve with Pickles

• Crunchy pickles bring a tangy contrast to the sweet and savory flavors of the sliders, enhancing each bite.

Include Dipping Sauces

• Offer sauces like ranch or sriracha mayo for guests to dip their sliders, adding an extra layer of flavor.

Set up a Slider Bar

• Create a slider bar with various toppings such as cheese, tomatoes, or jalapeños, allowing everyone to customize their Maple Chicken & Bacon Sliders.

Enjoy with a Cold Drink

• Pair these sliders with iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing complement to your meal.

How to Perfect Maple Chicken & Bacon Sliders

To make your Maple Chicken & Bacon Sliders even better, consider these useful tips.

• Choose quality chicken: Fresh, high-quality chicken breasts will yield juicier and more flavorful sliders.
• Use real maple syrup: Opt for pure maple syrup rather than imitation for the best flavor and sweetness.
• Cook bacon carefully: Ensure the bacon is crispy before adding it to the sliders; this adds texture and richness.
• Toast slider buns: Lightly toast the buns in the oven or on a skillet for added crunch and warmth.
• Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to add spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika to enhance the flavors of the chicken.
• Serve immediately: For optimal taste, serve the sliders right after assembling them while they’re warm and fresh.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Chicken & Bacon Sliders

Completing your meal with side dishes can elevate your dining experience. Here are some fantastic options that pair well with Maple Chicken & Bacon Sliders.

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and tanginess that contrasts beautifully with the rich sliders.
2. Potato Chips: Crispy potato chips provide a satisfying crunch and make for an easy snack alongside your sliders.
3. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is sweet and buttery, making it a perfect companion to sweet maple flavors.
4. Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad offers comfort and pairs well with smoky bacon and sweet maple chicken.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring in earthy flavors that balance out the sweetness of the maple glaze.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of savory sliders.
7. Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds robust flavor and an additional carb option that everyone loves.
8. Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans complement both chicken and bacon, enhancing the meal’s overall flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Maple Chicken & Bacon Sliders, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your sliders turn out perfectly.

• Skipping seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken can lead to bland sliders. Always season with salt and pepper for flavor.
• Overcooking the chicken: Overcooking can make chicken dry. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Using stale buns: Stale buns can ruin the slider experience. Ensure your slider buns are fresh for the best texture and taste.
• Not measuring ingredients: Eyeballing measurements can lead to inconsistent flavors. Measure maple syrup and mustard accurately for balance.
• Rushing assembly: Assembling sliders too quickly can lead to messy results. Take your time to layer ingredients neatly for better presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Maple Chicken & Bacon Sliders

• Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Freeze them for up to 2 months.

Reheating Maple Chicken & Bacon Sliders

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat wrapped sliders for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds at a time until warm, but avoid overheating as it makes them soggy.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Maple Chicken & Bacon Sliders that might help you out.

Can I use turkey instead of chicken for Maple Chicken & Bacon Sliders?

Yes, turkey works well. Just ensure it’s cooked thoroughly and seasoned properly.

What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

You can substitute with yellow mustard or honey mustard, though it will change the flavor slightly.

How do I customize my Maple Chicken & Bacon Sliders?

Feel free to add toppings like cheese, avocado, or pickles based on your preference!

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and bacon in advance and assemble them just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Maple Chicken & Bacon Sliders are a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that make them perfect for any occasion. This recipe is not only quick but also versatile—feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or sides. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!